Quite a few children are considered highly gifted, reaching extremely high levels of achievement in one or more areas. Or are they just really talented in playing bonus 22Bet? But nurturing their offspring is a challenge for parents and educators. What signs indicate giftedness?
GERMANY’S YOUNGEST STUDENT: ADELA POTERI, IS HIGHLY GIFTED
If highly gifted children are not recognized as such, they often get bored in class, deliberately disrupt it to get appropriate attention or withdraw depressed. These children are challenged, and it makes them feel insecure that they learn things faster than their friends – and are also interested in completely different subjects. Not infrequently, they are labeled as “class clowns” or “nerds.” Highly gifted students find repetition or intermediate steps downright torturous.
WHEN IS ONE CONSIDERED HIGHLY GIFTED
Two to three percent of the population are considered highly gifted. Often an intelligence test is used for diagnosis, which determines the intelligence quotient (IQ). IQ is determined by an intelligence test. From an IQ of 130, one speaks of intellectual giftedness. The normal intelligence quotient is between 85 and 115.
However, giftedness does not mean that one is a universal genius and can do everything. Instead, the talent is particularly strong in some areas, for example, mathematics, music, or languages. An intelligence test is only reasonably meaningful from the age of 5.
HOW PARENTS RECOGNIZE A HIGHLY GIFTED CHILD
The child learns to speak at an early age and has a large vocabulary.
The child has a quick perception, good powers of observation, and a good memory.
The child recognizes complex contexts very quickly and likes to learn
The child teaches himself reading, arithmetic and writing.
The child is more interested in elders than peers.
The child is imaginative, shows a strong sense of justice, and questions things.
The child is perfectionistic but critical of their own performance.
The child is bored in kindergarten/school, disturbs the lessons, or withdraws in solitude.
Giftedness also exists in the musical area. The best example: is Mozart.
SUPPORTING HIGHLY GIFTED CHILDREN
To a large extent, intellectual giftedness is innate, but the social environment, upbringing, or other influences can promote or hinder the development of giftedness. And some children lose their giftedness as they grow older. The earlier it is recognized in children, the better it can be supported. Some private schools and boarding schools have specialized in promoting highly gifted children. The German Society for the Highly Gifted Child advises parents, children, and teachers in regional groups.
TIPS FOR PARENTS OF HIGHLY GIFTED CHILDREN
- Let the child learn and answer all questions – even if they seem too complex for the age.
- Let the child try new things: Music, sports, computers, and visits to the zoo and theater …
- Let the child interact with other highly gifted children, e.g., at games afternoons.
- The child also needs friends of the same age. Membership in a (sports) club is ideal.
- The child likes to question rules – still set limits.
- Work on his/her weaknesses, and teach practical skills (teamwork, empathy …)
- Talk openly with the child – he/she will be afraid of being an outsider in the daycare/school.
- Also, discuss with the daycare/school how to proceed: Extra tasks, change of class, remedial courses – every gifted child needs individual support.